Tayside and Fife has been hit with an amber warning for wind, with the Met Office predicting disruption as Storm Arwen hits the region.
A yellow warning had previously been issued for Friday and Saturday, but this has now been updated to a more severe amber alert.
Forecasters have warned that strong winds could cause flying debris, power cuts, transport disruption and even a danger to life.
The warning covers most of central and eastern Scotland, and those using the roads and public transport have been advised to expect longer journey times.
When is the ‘danger to life’ amber warning for?
The alert comes into force from 3pm on Friday and will remain in place until 9am on Saturday November 27.
It covers all of Tayside and Fife, with winds predicted to be particularly strong in costal areas where they could reach 80mph.
The mercury is set to dip below freezing over the weekend, with the Met Office saying Tayside and Fife will feel “bitterly cold” on Saturday.
#StormArwen has been named and is forecast to bring a period of very strong winds and cold weather to the UK from Friday into Saturday
Disruption to travel and infrastructure is likely over the coming days with warnings in force ⚠️
Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/lMls9PzqZF
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 25, 2021
Gusts of up to 52mph are expected in Dundee along with heavy rain. The worst of Storm Arwen is expected to hit at around 6pm.
The weather is expected to settle into Saturday afternoon, but experts have advised people to check their local forecast regularly for updates.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Almond, said: “It is going to be a windy period with potentially disruptive gales.
“These could cause some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport with a small chance exposed roads and bridges could close.
“There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs and damage to temporary structures such as Christmas markets.”
With the warning coming into force as Dundee’s Winterfest opens, organisers have said they are confident they will be able to keep the big wheel open.
How to stay safe
NHS Tayside’s emergency departments have asked people to take care and look out for icy surfaces to avoid accidents.
Dr Andrew Kinnon, consultant in Emergency Medicine, said that if people are heading out they could “walk like a penguin” to avoid slipping.
He said: “Winter is often a very busy period for our Emergency Department and we often see an increase in the number of patients with broken bones due to falling in the icy conditions. This demand is on top of the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“To help protect themselves and the NHS, we are encouraging people when they go out to ensure they dress warmly, wear sensible shoes with a good grip and take care when on icy surfaces.”
Dr Kinnon added: “If you want to stay safe whilst walking on icy paths, our advice is to walk like a penguin – bend the knees, point feet slightly outwards, and extend arms to each side.
“Walk flat-footed, taking short slow steps and keep your centre of gravity over your feet.”
